‘Recent disasters might have been avoided, had a comprehensive, unified, well-functioning disaster management system existed. By founding the United National Disaster Management Organisation, the Government is correcting this deficiency,’ said Viktor Orbán at the organisation's inaugural ceremony on Monday 2 January.
On 19 September 2011 the new Act on Disaster Management was passed by a two-thirds majority in the Hungarian parliament, and together with the implementing regulations it entered into force on 1 January 2012.
The Prime Minster stressed the excellent work of the disaster relief organisation over the last ten years, describing it as one of Hungary's most disciplined and effective bodies. He said that over the last ten years the organisation has proved that its work is essential, and that it is worth developing it further.
The Prime Minister stressed that the first and most important change is in the Fundamental Law itself, which states that everyone assumes responsibility for themselves and their community in the carrying out of tasks. This means that in the first event public safety is an issue for which the State is responsible, but citizens must also play their part in creating and restoring safe environments.
In the future, public safety in Hungary will be based on three pillars: a strong state; citizens’ involvement; and the role of the disaster management organisation. With a united, clear and hierarchical structure in place the flood damage and red mud disaster of 2010 could well have been avoided, said Mr. Orbán.
In the future, disaster prevention committee tasks will be moved from mayors and chairpersons of local assemblies to the leaders of county government offices. From now on the State cannot disclaim responsibility if something in the field of disaster management is not working.
As for the second pillar – of citizens’ involvement – under the new legislation, people who have special skills may be required to be available. These include doctors, engineers, water management experts, structural engineers or companies with the necessary technical equipment, said the Prime Minister.
The third pillar – of the disaster management organisation itself – requires the highest professional and ethical standards to help us build a safer Hungary, said the Prime Minister.
Background
Act CXXVIII of 2011 on Disaster Management is intended to raise to a new level the security of life and property in Hungary, by renewing the system of rules on prevention and preparedness, by enacting extreme measures in the event of emergencies, and by organising a unified disaster management system.
The professional disaster management bodies under the new system shall continue to operate at central, regional and local levels. Thus disaster management authorities are being set up in the counties and in Budapest, responsible for fire fighting, civil protection and industrial safety.
Under the law, the fire departments of local governments are absorbed into a state fire service within the unified disaster management structure.
The Government Committee for Disaster Coordination (KKB) is being established, chaired by the Prime Minister, and composed of ministers. The KKB is a support and advisory body for the Government, with prime responsibility for damage prevention and coordination during periods of high risk and in emergencies.
(kormany.hu)
